Did anyone see this week's episode of Wife Swap? I missed it unfortunately but I saw all the previews and that woman looked a real twisted, foul mouthed abomination.

Anyone catch it?

I missed it :sad: but I LOVE this programme!!!

It's the best. I don't care if people say it's just low budget sadist tripe....but, well. Despite it being that, I still love it. :headbang:

As normal two couples with extreme approaches.

First family composed of two prison officers. Couple of highly disciplined kids who led a regimented life. Lots of prayers but not much open affection and fun.

Second family, mum,dad and I think 4 kids. Children allowed to say and do what they liked. Swore like troopers, had nit infested hair seemed to live on sweets, went to bed when they liked but seemed to be happier kids. Mum foul mouthed and obnoxious but at times did speak some sense.

Total tosh but compulsive viewing.

The prison officers were seemingly normal, but they were actually alarming. They scared their kids with 'hell', i.e. don't lie or you'll go to hell. There did not seem to be much affection or laughter in that household. In conversation with the other mother, the male prison officer seemed to imply that anything other than a strict, timetabled, regimented upbringing opened the door for children to become career criminals.
Not that the other family didn't have their faults.

I know who I'd rather have as a neighbour, though.....

Love it love it love it!!

Doesn't it just make you feel that your own parenting skills really *aren't* that bad?!!

I thought the prison officer couple were quite selfish in sending their kids to bed at 8:30 each night ! and they wernt even very young kids. It came across to me that they did this to get them out of the way for their own convience.

I try and watch this show, I really do, but i can't help but end up watching it though the crack in my fingers as I see these families puttign themselves up for the general public not only to question their family stability, but often how they raise their children.

I can appreciate the fact the show is created by using polar opposites that make the lifeastyles seem even more extreme, and the fact that the editors/producers on the show really are talented, but I can't see the show as entertainment, just an example of the sad state of affairs going on for entertainment in this country.

It IS totally riveting and I'm beginning to understand why, I think FetishFairy has hit the nail on the head. We like it because it make sus feel that we are better people, that our own vices are somehow not so bad compared to everyone elses when they are perpetuated and bombarded to us by these programs (much akin to big brother and the 'love to hate' mentality).

My head can't get over wondering how I would appear if I ended up on one of these shows, much worse I fear....

That's why I can't watch this show, as much as i might find the insights it provided into what a certain type of self-selected people put themselves through for the sake of a fleeting glimpse in the public eye.

Wilf